“If you have never gazed down on Crater Lake, reform! Visit it for your own good.” These were the words of J. Hazard in his 1946 book describing Pacific Crest Trail. At that time, Crater Lake was the finishing point on the Oregon Skyline trail. Today this 400 mile stretch from Mount Hood to Crater Lake is the oldest section of the Pacific Crest Trail. The idea for a trail on the west coast was first proposed in the 1920s, but it was not until 1972 that all 2,638 miles of the trail were completed and hiked for the first time.

The first National Scenic Trail was the Appalachian Trail, running from Georgia to Maine. Next came the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Currently, there are 17 National Scenic Trails, 12 of them administered by the National Park Service. Some trails, like the PCT, pass through some of the most beautiful areas in the United States. Others trace routes of historical or scientific interest.

Crater Lake is one of seven National Parks through which the PCT passes. Hikers who wish to stay overnight in Crater Lake National Park must get a backcountry permit. Permits may be obtained at the Rim Visitor Center in Rim Village, or at the Steel Information Center in the Park Headquarters area. Alternatively, PCT through-hikers may sign the trail register as they enter Crater Lake National Park. Through-hikers who have signed the trail register do not need to obtain a backcountry permit.

In June 1995, an alternate trail opened which brings hikers right up to the rim of Crater Lake. Coming from the south, the trail ascends the Dutton Creek trail to the rim, then follows the edge of the caldera for six miles with spectacular views. It then parallels the road from North Junction to Grouse Hill and rejoins the PCT.

Backcountry Regulations - No pets are permitted in the backcountry of Crater Lake National Park, including along the PCT. Although information distributed by the Pacific Crest Trail Conference may state that pets are allowed on all segments of the PCT, pets are not allowed on any section of the trail in Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, or Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks.

To reduce impact on the park's natural resources, camp at one of the park's designated camp sites: Grouse Hill, Red Cone, Lightning Springs or Dutton Creek. No camping is permitted on the alternate trail along the caldera rim. Camp sites are located at either end of the alternate trail at Dutton Creek and Grouse Hill.

Showers and Supplies - For those in need of showers or supplies, there is a fee campground and camper store at Mazama Village in the southern part of the park. It can be reached from the PCT by taking the Annie Springs cutoff below Dutton Creek.

Postal Services - Mail can be sent to the Mazama Village Store at Mazama Campground, or to the Crater Lake Post Office at Park Headquarters.

At the post office, mail will be kept only for 30 days. If you cannot arrive in time to pick up your mail, let the post office know by calling (541) 594-3115. Mail cannot be picked up on Sundays or after 3:00 pm.

Do not mail perishables. Liquid stove fuel may not be sent through U.S. Mail. Packages may not exceed 108 inches in length and girth or weigh more than 70 pounds each. All PCT hiker boxes must have a return address.

A long day hike is possible, but to do this, hikers need to have two vehicles. The PCT crosses Highway 62 south and west of the Annie Springs Entrance. It crosses the North Entrance Road in the Pumice Desert area. The total day hike covers 18 miles.

Possible water sources include Red Cone Springs, Lightning Springs, and major branches of Dutton, Trapper, Bybee, North Copeland, and South Copeland Creeks.